Senior Director, AI-powered Workflow Optimization

About the role

Sonova is looking for a visionary and execution-focused leader to build and lead our enterprise AI and workflow automation capability.

As Senior Director AI-Powered Workflow Optimization you will lead the strategy and execution of AI intelligent automation process optimization and workflow engineering across the organization. Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer you will help transform how work gets done across functions including Retail Wholesale HR Finance R&D and Operations.

This is a highly strategic leadership role responsible for turning AI process intelligence and automation into measurable business outcomesimproving operational efficiency reducing costs accelerating cycle times and enabling employees to focus on higher-value work.

Youll build and scale a global Center of Excellence while partnering with executive stakeholders to drive enterprise-wide transformation.

What youll do

Define the enterprise AI and automation strategy

• Develop and execute Sonovas enterprise strategy for AI intelligent automation and workflow optimization.
• Establish the operating model governance and roadmap for enterprise automation initiatives.
• Prioritize investment opportunities based on business value ROI and strategic impact.

Lead enterprise process transformation

• Drive end-to-end process redesign across key business value streams including Order-to-Cash Source-to-Pay Hire-to-Retire and Idea-to-Launch.
• Identify opportunities through process mining value stream mapping and business case development.
• Build and maintain the enterprise automation roadmap and opportunity pipeline.

Build AI-powered business capabilities

Lead the development and deployment of AI solutions including:

• Generative AI applications
• Agentic AI workflows
• Intelligent document processing
• LLM-based automation
• AI-powered decision support
• Enterprise knowledge automation

Ensure AI solutions are scalable secure and aligned with governance compliance and regulatory standards.

Lead workflow automation and platform engineering

• Oversee enterprise automation platforms and workflow engineering teams.
• Define engineering standards reusable components and delivery methodologies.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors and strategic implementation partners.
• Drive platform scalability reliability and operational excellence.

Establish enterprise governance

• Build a scalable Center of Excellence for AI and Automation.
• Define governance frameworks standards and best practices.
• Partner with IT Security Risk and Compliance teams to ensure secure and compliant deployment of AI and automation solutions.

Measure business impact

• Define KPIs and value metrics across automation initiatives.
• Track cost savings productivity improvements cycle-time reduction working capital impact and employee experience.
• Provide executive reporting on enterprise transformation progress and business outcomes.

Build trusted partnerships

• Collaborate closely with senior leaders across Retail Wholesale HR Finance Operations R&D and IT.
• Act as a strategic advisor to executive stakeholders on enterprise transformation opportunities.
• Align business priorities with technology investments.

Build and lead a high-performing organization

• Recruit develop and lead multidisciplinary teams across AI Automation Engineering Process Excellence and Platform Governance.
• Foster a culture of innovation accountability and continuous improvement.
• Represent the function with executive leadership and provide strategic recommendations to the CDO and Executive Committee.

What were looking for

Experience

• 15 years of experience in enterprise transformation intelligent automation AI digital operations or technology leadership.
• Proven success leading enterprise-wide automation or process transformation programs within global organizations.
• Experience establishing or scaling Centers of Excellence for AI Automation Process Excellence or Digital Transformation.
• Strong background working in complex international matrix organizations.
• Experience presenting to executive leadership and Board-level stakeholders.

Technical expertise

Strong knowledge of:

• Generative AI andLLMs
• Intelligent Automation
• Process Mining
• Workflow Automation
• Business Process Management (BPM)
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
• Integration Platforms (iPaaS)
• Low-Code / No-Code Platforms
• Enterprise Architecture
• Process Intelligence
• Automation Governance
• AI Governance
• Digital Transformation

Experience with platforms such as Celonis Signavio ServiceNow Microsoft Power Platform or similar technologies is highly desirable.

Leadership

Were looking for someone who can:

• Lead large-scale enterprise transformation
• Influence executive stakeholders across business functions
• Balance strategic thinking with operational execution
• Build high-performing multidisciplinary teams
• Drive measurable business value through technology and process innovation

Education

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Computer Science Business or a related field
• Masters degree preferred
• MBA is a plus

Industry experience

Experience in one or more of the following industries is preferred:

• MedTech
• Healthcare
• Medical Devices
• Life Sciences
• Other highly regulated industries

Location

This role can be based in Berlin Singapore or Zurich

Required Experience:

Exec

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1